Pro Installer February 2015 - Issue 23 | Page 2

2 FEBRUARY 2015 PRO INSTALLER PRO NEWS www.proinstaller.co.uk Continued from the front page ISSUE 23 February 2015 If you would like to find out more about the PRO Installer: Write to: Unit 2-3 Burleigh Court, Burleigh Street, Barnsley, S70 1XY. Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone] Email: [email protected] All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronically or mechanically without the consent of Clearview Group Ltd and any of its subsidiaries. Whilst every effort is made to ensure accuracy, this publication does not accept liability for errors, printing or otherwise appearing in this publication. The views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the editor or publisher. “As with the Imagine Bi-Fold Door System, the Imagine doors are available with a choice of three threshold options: standard, low threshold (Part M compliant when used with ramps) and ultralow internal room divider.” Triple-glazing ready, the doors come with various customising options including: a range of 18 coloured and woodgrain effect foil ‘The thermal performance is excellent’ options; a fully welded outerframe or mechanically jointed one (making it ideal for properties with access difficulties); chamfered and sculptured sashes as well as glazing beads are available; the door to door gasket is available in white or black to complement the hinges; and there’s an option for fitting an aluminum low threshold with internal, external or both transition ramps for wheelchair access. “The thermal performance is excellent,” Jason concludes. “This is because of the 5 chamber sash and 6 chamber outerframe. The maximum sash width is 1000mm while the outerframe has been stepped down to 70mm, making it ideal for coupling to existing frames in porches and conservatories.” For more information visit www.glazeritewindows.co.uk Women ‘taking on more construction roles’ The proportion of construction jobs held by women could rise from a fifth to just over a quarter during the coming five years, a new report has predicted. By the close of the current decade, experts at Randstad Construction, Property and Engineering (CPE) believe that the female employment share could jump from around 20% to 26%. The figure stood at 16% just five years ago, the recruitment firm indicated. Construction firms have stepped up their efforts to take on a broader mix of workers, in order to address the threats posed by skills shortages. Meanwhile, the Government has backed initiatives such as #NotJustForBoys, in a bid to encourage women to consider roles in sectors like building and manufacturing. According to Building. co.uk, Randstad CPE now believes that the proportion of jobs held by female workers could exceed its 26% prediction by 2020 if the “right cultural change” is made. Owen Goodhead, managing director of the group, said building firms must not lose out on talent because of outdated attitudes. He added: “In a rapidly expanding industry, every ounce of ability needs to be harnessed. “Companies that are addressing the issues facing women in the workplace will have access to a greater pool of talent, and will be able to make the most of the opportunity on offer in a fresh climate of growth.” While the female employment rate has improved dramatically over recent years, Randstad CPE said that wage levels are also on the up. The wage packets of female construction employees have risen at an annual rate of 6% over the last decade, it said. And close to half (46%) of the women employed in the industry now boast at least 10 years of experience. While flagging up these improving trends, the recruitment company said that some barriers still need to be broken down. Misperceptions about female construction workers and a lack of flexibility will need to be addressed, it suggested. Mr Goodhead concluded that construction firms could face negative financial consequences if ‘Businesses that exclude women, even accidentally, will feel the effect on the bottom line’ they are slow to respond to c hanging employment dynamics. He said: “Any complacency on this front will have a clear cost. Businesses that exclude women, even accidentally, will feel the effect on the bottom line.” Source: www.citb.co.uk ADF PLASTICS LTD Pick up the PRO Installer, FREE, from one of over 600 trade counters.